
The Powerful Furtherance of the Gospel [podcast]
“But I would ye should understand, brethren, that the things which happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the gospel; … 25 And having this confidence, I know that I shall abide and continue with you all for your furtherance and joy of faith;” Philippians 1:12, 25
Instead of being a hindrance, we can become a powerful helper, to “the furtherance of the gospel” of our LORD.
As His “ambassadors” He is using us, His people, to propel His Gospel to the end of the Earth (2 Corinthians 5:20).
Are YOU supporting the work of Christ, of His Gospel? God is watching the way you spend each and every penny He has and is giving you (Mark 12:41-44). He’s holding you personally responsible to support His Gospel work (Matthew 9:35-38). Are you ready to get your house in order?
Are We Muzzling God’s Work
or Furthering It?
When God calls out men to serve Him, feed His sheep, those men must obey Him (1 Corinthians 9:16). They have no salary. Their income is at the mercy of those believers who are being fed by that ministry. What does God’s Word say about this? 1 Corinthians 9:1-14; 1 Timothy 5:17-18.
After doing ministry among the people, Jesus instructed us to pray to the Father to send forth His laborers to do His work.
“Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; 38 Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest.” Matthew 9:37-38
Here our LORD instructs us to pray for the Father, the LORD of the harvest to send forth workers into His work, His harvest field of souls. This would also mean that we are also to support them – to support our LORD’s work by supporting His workers.
“And I will give you pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding.” Jeremiah 3:15
Since when is feeding Christ’s flock the only un-paid calling on the earth? Is that what we really think of Christ and His work? Is that how we are going to treat the Son of God? Is that God’s will? No. Read 1 Corinthians 9:1-14.
Per this 1 Corinthians 9 passage, the biblical case is strongly stated for Christ’s servants to be compensated. Among other things, here’s what we know:
- God ordained that His laborers be supported by those fed by those ministers (Galatians 6:6; 1 Timothy 5:17-18, etc.).
- The 11 other tribes of Israel financially supported the ministry tribe of Levi (Numbers 18:21-32).
- Christ’s elder servants are worthy of their hire in doing the infinitely most important and only eternal work in the earth (1 Corinthians 9:1-14; 1 Timothy 5:17-18, etc.).
- They must be able to sustain a household, family, etc. (1 Corinthians 9:1-14; 1 Timothy 5:17-18, etc.).
- We do much harm to the work and kingdom of Christ when we do not participate in taking out of what God’s gives us and supporting those men who have answered the call of God to feed His flock. This is what the don’t-muzzle-the-mouth-of-the-ox language is about in Scripture (1 Corinthians 9:1-14).
The LORD clearly established that those who do His work, the infinitely most important and only eternal work in the earth, are entitled to be paid and those fed by them are privileged to assist in supplying such. And He also establishes that He will bless them now and forever for doing so (Proverbs 3:9-10; Matthew 6:19-21; 2 Corinthians 9:6-11, etc.).
Millions are in hell this moment, where they will spend forever – due to the greed of God’s people who have lived in this and previous generations. Will you contribute to the number of souls in hell by your own fleeting greed and lack of a giving heart and hand?
Did not our LORD promise to greatly reward those who are open handed in their giving and also punish those who aren’t?
The Almighty who is all-knowing and all-just, is going to bring to light the pain suffered by those He called to serve Him and yet who were “destitute” (Heb. 11:37). Today some in our midst are without basic necessities and/or funds to operate their divinely-inspired and called ministries. This is directly due to the disobedience of those who possess the ability to give to help sustain their lifestyles so they can continue to further the eternal Gospel (and get rewarded for eternity). Saints, God is going to judge us according to how we spend every dollar and punish the disobedience. Much eternal treasure remains to be laid up in your account. See 2 Corinthians 9:6-10.
“There is that scattereth, and yet increaseth; and there is that withholdeth more than is meet, but it tendeth to poverty. The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that watereth shall be watered also himself. He that withholdeth corn, the people shall curse him: but blessing shall be upon the head of him that selleth it.” Proverbs 11:24-26
The Bible tells us that the sin of greed has a great price tag. Friend, our sin of greed – not being generous givers – has contributed to:
- Our own backslidings (Prov. 14:14; Mal. 3; Matt. 6:21).
- The untold suffering of those who minister the Word (2 Cor. 11:27; Heb. 11:37b).
- The apostasy of the Church world (Malachi 3:8-12).
- The decline of this nation (2 Chron. 7:14).
- Christian people with needs who suffer greatly at the hands of the callous neglect of those calling themselves by the name of He who came and gave all (Heb. 11:37-38).
- Unfunded ministries – Divinely called, yet unfunded servants of the One we call LORD. Those unfunded ministries could have otherwise furthered the Gospel in the hearts of men. Souls will be in hell due to the selfish greed of many who claim to know the One who bled and gave all.
“Double Honour”
“And in the same house remain, eating and drinking such things as they give: for the labourer is worthy of his hire. Go not from house to house.” Luke 10:7
What does the Bible tell us concerning the compensation due to those who minister the Gospel, who feed Christ’s sheep, who “labour in the word and doctrine”?
“Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour (sufficient generous financial reward), especially they who labour in the word and doctrine. For the scripture saith, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn. And, The labourer is worthy of his reward.” 1 Timothy 5:17-18
“Double honour” specifically means twice the average pay of workers in the present economy. In general that means that God wants those He calls out into ministry to be well taken care of. And, that’s the responsibility of those who are fed by that ministry.
“Elders (5:17-25) 5:17 The rest of this chapter deals with elders. First of all, Paul lays down the rule that elders who rule well should be counted worthy of double honor. Rule might be translated ‘take the lead.’ It is not a question of control, but of example, such elders are worthy of double honor. Honor might mean respect, but it also includes the idea of financial reimbursement (Matt. 15:6). Double honor includes both ideas. First of all, he is worthy of respect from God’s people because of his work, but also, if his time is devoted to this work fully, he is also worthy of financial help. Those who labor in the word and doctrine are probably the ones who spend so much time in preaching and teaching that they are not able to carry on regular employment.
5:18 Two scriptures are introduced here to prove the statement that the elder is worthy of recompense. The first is Deuteronomy 25:4, and the second is taken from Luke 10:7. … These scriptures teach that an ox which is used in the harvesting process should not be deprived of a share of the grain. Also, a laborer is entitled to a portion of the fruit of his labor. So it is with elders. In spite of the fact that their work not be be physical, yet they are worthy of the support of God’s people.” William MacDonald, Believer’s Bible Commentary, pgs. 2096-2097
Let’s address a very important, core issue: Do you believe that you are worthy of the money you are paid to do the work you do for a living? Do you believe in your heart, that those who do the work of the ministry are worthy to receive financial compensation from doing this all-important work? If you don’t, may I suggest that there may be a poverty curse on your life that needs to be broken (Dt. 26,28). At the very least, there could be a lack of what the LORD has stated about this.
Many of the servants of the LORD are suffering at the hands of those who have the opportunity to give to the work of the ministry and haven’t. Beloved, let’s turn things around for those who bring us the Word and do the most important work in the earth.
When we truly begin to aggrandize divine truth, we will then begin supporting only those who truly preach all of it (full-counsel) fearlessly and cease from funding the ministries of false prophets who allow most of their ministry revenues to be absorbed on things other than that which is at the core of importance in the divine economy, like the true building up of the saints – getting them into the Word for themselves, and winning lost souls.
Concerning the work and workers of God’s kingdom, the Bible instructs us in Ezra 6:8 – “forthwith expenses be given unto these men, that they be not hindered.”
The reason all of God’s people are to give to His authentic work is “that they be not hindered” (Ezra 6:8).
When we become generous, cheerful givers, the LORD is going to be able to entrust us with greater riches. Until we delight to bless the LORD and His servants, poverty of spirit and pocketbook may continue to plague us. Open your heart and hand beloved and give what is not your own to give for the work of the Gospel:
“The liberal (generous) soul shall be made fat: and he that watereth shall be watered also himself. He that withholdeth corn, the people shall curse him: but blessing shall be upon the head of him that selleth it.” Proverbs 11:25-26
The following text, 1 Corinthians 9, is monumentally important for our understanding of how the LORD has set things up and what part we are to play. He did not design this life for you to simply find pleasure and live as you will. If you are truly His, “ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price” and it is His will that is to be done and the Gospel carried out in and through your vessel (1 Cor. 6:19-20). You are to be a faithful steward of all He gives into your temporary possession.
Please read this text carefully and prayerfully:
“Or I only and Barnabas, have not we power to forbear working? Who goeth a warfare any time at his own charges? who planteth a vineyard, and eateth not of the fruit thereof (do YOU work for free)? or who feedeth a flock, and eateth not of the milk of the flock? Say I these things as a man? or saith not the law the same also? For it is written in the law of Moses, Thou shalt not muzzle the mouth of the ox that treadeth out the corn. Doth God take care for oxen? Or saith he it altogether for our sakes? For our sakes, no doubt, this is written: that he that ploweth should plow in hope; and that he that thresheth in hope should be partaker of his hope. If we have sown unto you spiritual things, is it a great thing if we shall reap your carnal things? If others be partakers of this power over you (we pay others for their services daily), are not we rather? …Do ye not know that they which minister about holy things live of the things of the temple? and they which wait at the altar are partakers with the altar? Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel.” 1 Corinthians 9:6-14
If we don’t fully believe and understand how that one who ministers the Gospel, that is, does the most important work in the earth, is worthy to receive the financial support of those he labors to win to Christ and disciple, we have a heart issue that the LORD wants to change. Jesus said:
“The workman IS worthy of his meat.” Matthew 10:10
DO WE really think that the few “labourers” Christ has sent out would be scraping up pennies if God’s people who are being fed were biblically stewarding the resources He is giving them? (Matthew 9:35-38) What are you personally contributing to our LORD’s work?
The way we are treating the LORD’s workmen, is the way we are treating Him (Matthew 25:40-46).
Do you claim Christ is your Savior? What are you giving to the work of Christ?
Jesus told us that “the workman IS worthy” to receive financial compensation. Christ didn’t say the workman is unworthy, but rather – worthy. Therefore, it is fitting for true servant-leaders to be compensated by those they feed. Friend, have you despised the words of the Son of God by not generously giving to those who do His holy work? Is it time to stop and change things?
Make No Mistake: There are and will be souls in hell due to the lack of charitable giving of those today who call themselves by the name of Christ and yet disobey Him in not giving revenues to His work. The disobedience of withholding has tied the hands of God’s workers and greatly hindered their ability to do what the LORD has sent them to do in the care of souls and winning the lost.
I must ask: Are you “muzzling the mouth of the ox that treads out the corn,” or, are you a “cheerful giver” that is laying up treasures in Heaven and being used by the LORD for the furtherance of His blessed Gospel? (See 1 Tim. 5:18; 2 Cor. 9:7; Matt. 6:19-21.) Are you receiving the Word and ministry somewhere? If so, then you are to give of your financial gain to that minister/ministry (Gal. 6:6). By the way, in God’s eyes, it matters not what kind of real estate that ministry operates out of when caring for the saints (rented, owned, home, apt, church building, etc.).
“Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.” 2 Corinthians 9:7
Beloved, terrible hardships are happening to thousands of ministers across this nation due to the gross and epidemic negligence of God’s people. Billions of dollars flow all around these men of God, yet they lack and so do their families – due to overspending and the sin of greed and selfishness in the lives of those who claim to know Christ and be saved. According to a Barna report, a very small percentage of those who claim to be Christians in America, tithe.
“Born again adults, who represent 38% of the nation’s population, also sustained a decline in generosity during the past couple of years. In 2000, 12% of all born again adults tithed. The percentage rose to 14% in 2001, but dropped to only 6% in 2002.” Barna Report
If only 6% tithed in 2002, that means 94% didn’t tithe, sending tens of thousands of ministers from the post God put them on to serve His people. The last report I was privy to said that 1,100 ministers have to leave the ministry every month in America due to lack of support from those they serve. Astounding!
We have no one to blame or repent for but ourselves for the decline of this nation. God says that He will heal our hearts and lives and this nation, “If MY people…” (2 Chronicles 7:14). Friend, our sin of not being generous givers of our lives and resources has contributed to our own backsliding, the untold suffering of those who minister to us, the apostasy of the Church world, the hindrance of the Gospel, and the decline of this nation (Malachi 3). Now we should decisively get right with God by repenting now and doing what we know to do with the money He has allowed to come into our hands.
True repentance is a change of heart and mind, which will always result in changed behavior (Matt. 3:7-10).
Plowing in Hope – with the Warranted Expectation to be Compensated
“Or saith he it altogether for our sakes? For our sakes, no doubt, this is written: that he that ploweth should plow in hope; and that he that thresheth in hope should be partaker of his hope.” 1 Corinthians 9:10
Seems to me that that LORD is saying here that those He calls out should have the reasonable expectation to be compensated so they can be sustained to do and to further the most important work in the earth which has eternal consequences.
So you get upset when you are invited to do what God commanded for you to do – give? Where’s the real problem? The real problem is in your unrepentant heart. You are an idolater who is serving self and not Christ (Matthew 6:19-24; Luke 12:15-21; Ephesians 5:5-9, etc.). True worshipers of the One who gave all rejoice to give a portion back to the LORD who provides all we have had, do have, and ever will have (James 1:17). Read Proverbs 3:9-10.
STOP EVERYTHING YOU ARE DOING RIGHT NOW! GET BEHIND THE TRUE ORIGINAL GOSPEL AND THOSE WHO DILIGENTLY DECLARE IT! GET YOUR CHECKBOOK OUT AND WRITE A CHECK TO THOSE WHO ARE PREACHING TO YOU THE GOSPEL AND HAVE BEEN LABORING DAILY FOR YOUR SPIRITUAL MATURITY IN PRAYERS AND THE WORD! YOUR LIFE WOULD NOT BE WHAT IT IS IF IT WERE NOT FOR THESE SERVANTS. FIRE ANYONE WHO IS NOT DOING NEW TESTAMENT MINISTRY AS THE BIBLE CLEARLY REVEALS AND GENEROUSLY REWARD THOSE WHO ARE! THERE IS NOTHING TO PRAY ABOUT! JUST DO THE WORD – GIVE! PUT YOUR MONEY WHERE YOUR MOUTH IS AND STOP BEING A SPIRITUAL FREELOADER! WRITE A GENEROUS CHECK AND GET IT IMMEDIATELY INTO THE HANDS OF THOSE WHO HAVE SERVED YOU WITH GOD’S WORD AND TRULY WATCH FOR YOUR SOUL! GOD WILL BLESS YOU – JUST TEST HIM AND SEE!
I truly hope that this message, going out across the world, will cause great change and help at least one man of God to be sustained and financially blessed so he can continue to do the work of the ministry that the LORD has called him to do. There is no other work so important, especially in this last hour. Saints we will soon be with Christ in eternity. What kind of treasures will you have forever? Let’s all do our part as God has ordained and prospers us.
—— The Missing Jewel …. You may not want to link your life’s true object of worship and giving, but God does often in His Word so we had better heed lest we be found wanting in the end. Jesus says that those who worship Him and the Father “MUST worship” in a certain way … “But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. 24 God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth” (John 4:23-24).
God is no fool. He has a plan to reach many with His Word and He has sovereignly chosen men to do such and to fund such. He is calling for your obedient participation. That divine plan is clearly written in His Word and we are accountable and will be brought into questioning in the end for how we have stewarded the resources the LORD allowed to come into our hands. He gave you the ability to earn money to do what? – “But thou shalt remember the LORD thy God: for it is he that giveth thee power to get wealth, that he may establish his covenant which he sware unto thy fathers, as it is this day” (Deuteronomy 8:18).
You are rarely going to hear this preached due to the appearance of what it could look like and yet, this is a vital part of God’s Word and is all over His Word and so we must preach and heed it in the fear of the LORD with no respect or concern to what mere man thinks (Proverbs 29:25); Luke 12:4-5, etc.).
Make 1 Corinthians 9 your meat this week.
Saint of God, Jesus Christ is all-knowing and sees everything and will reward every good deed or work done in His name and love.
Friend of Jesus, do you realize that the Bible says that you have an “account” in Heaven waiting for you? And, that the LORD desires that it “abound” which means be richly filled. Listen to what the Holy Ghost had the apostle Paul pen concerning your giving: “Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account” (Philippians 4:17).
Are you supporting our LORD’s work? Do His laborers stand a chance at surviving?
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Articles
The Essential Doctrine of Repentance – If he’s not preaching repentance, he’s false. Read that again. Run.

The Biblical Statement on the Essential Doctrine and Necessity of Repentance – in Life and in the Dispensing of the Original Gospel Message.
Firstly, we should understand that God’s command for us to repent means “turn to Me.” The LORD calls us to Himself.
“Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30
Regrettably, we seldom hear this word, this Gospel essential. Though nearly never heard in today’s apostate modern church world, according to Christ’s unchanging original Gospel, repentance is an absolute imperative.
Karen Cochran observes:
“It doesn’t seem the word repent is part of the Christian’s vocabulary! In the modern church, it’s all about God accepting you the way you are without any requirements to repent and die to self.”
Note that in modern churches, “Christian” radio, media, books, the word “repent” is rarely if ever heard. Yet Jesus says that repenting is essential to salvation (Luke 13:3, 5, etc.).
The words “repent” and “repentance” appear 72 times in God’s Word – the King James Bible.
God will not forgive the sins of anyone who doesn’t repent – even if they confess their sins every day of their life!
Any “preacher” not preaching repentance is not preaching the original Gospel and is absolutely a fraud! Now, let that sink in and see if you can count the number of “pastors” NOT preaching the first Word of the Gospel – repentance! Get out the calculator! Better yet, count those who ARE preaching repentance and you won’t get to your second hand!
The Essential Doctrine of Repentance has Never been more Needed and Yet has Never been more Scarce!
No person who doesn’t repent will be saved. To deny the need, the absolute necessity of repentance is to deny the LORD who is “Holy, holy, holy” and to deny sin (Isaiah 6:3; Revelation 4:8)!
DO WE know the original Gospel message? Where does the relationship begin – between fallen man and God? What is the first divine command for sinners to appropriate the justification of God? Repentance is essential (Matthew 3:2; 4:17; Acts 2:38, etc.) Does your pastor use this word, YES THIS BIBLE WORD – “repent”? No, not some modernized, toned down, lame word but the literal word “repent”?
ALL who are living in sin
are on a collision course
with divine justice.
Hell awaits.
COMMUNICATING THE ESSENTIAL DOCTRINE OF REPENTANCE
Let it not drop. In fact this divine command (Acts 17:30) – to “repent” – is nearly if not completely missing from the apostate modern church world and the counterfeits therein. They preach a false gospel because the original Gospel requires repentance to be saved (Luke 13:3; Acts 2:38; 3:19; 20:21, etc.). Let it not be! Be true to the LORD and preach it.
If Jesus isn’t important enough to you to seek and obey, you do not love Him (John 14:15). You have rejected Him and all your cover up operation is a silly sham that He sees right through. Going to church, reading God’s Word, running through a canned prayer before bedtime or each morning, etc., will never replace getting honest in repentance with the LORD. He will accept nothing short of repentance and laying your life at His holy feet (Ezekiel 18:30; Hosea 10:12). This is called true repentance, something most who claim to be saved have never done (Luke 13:3; Acts 3:19, etc.). They said a prayer. They didn’t repent and Jesus says “Except ye repent ye shall all likewise perish” (Luke 13:3).
God absolutely requires “repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ” to save a soul (Acts 20:21). Yet HE is the Savior, not us. WHY did Jesus ever have to come if we could save ourselves? When or if we are emphasizing our own repentance more than the sheer mercy of God in Christ who alone saved our most depraved, wicked souls, we are imbalanced at best. Pour over the words of Titus 3:5-7.
“Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.” Acts 20:21
“Mark 1:15
and saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.
Repent ye, and believe the gospel. These words may be regarded as a summary of the method of salvation. Repentance and faith are the conditions of admission into the Christian covenant. Repentance has a special reference to God the Father, and faith, to Jesus Christ the eternal Son. It is in the gospel that Christ is revealed to us as a Saviour; and therefore we find Jesus Christ, as the object of our faith, distinguished from the Father as the object of our repentance. Repentance of itself is not sufficient—it makes no satisfaction for the Law which we have broken; and hence, over and above repentance, there is required from us faith in the Gospel, wherein Christ is revealed to us as a propitiation for sin, and as the only way of reconciliation with the Father. Without faith repentance becomes despair, and without repentance faith becomes only presumption. Join the two together, and the faithful soul is borne onwards, like a well-balanced vessel, to the haven where it would be.” Pulpit Commentary
In God’s Word, in the Early Church, “REPENT” is repeatedly seen as the very first word, command of the Gospel.
John the Baptist
“And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” Matthew 3:2
Jesus
“From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” Matthew 4:17
Peter
“Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.” Acts 2:38
“Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord;” Acts 3:19
Christ’s Apostle Paul
“And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent:” Acts 17:30
No one will be saved without repenting (Luke 13:3, 5, etc.). AFFIRMATION without salvation, regeneration, is rampant in today’s apostate modern church world. Beware.
One is hard pressed to hear any modern pastor use the word and essential divine command to “repent.” This was foretold for these final days in which we live. Any man not preaching the essential biblical doctrine of repentance, not using the Bible word “repent,” is preaching “another gospel” and is an “accursed” wolf with no exception (Galatians 1:6-9)! Run. If you sit under, if you patronize any preacher who isn’t regularly using the divine essential command to “repent,” you are as deceived and hell bound as this vile antichrist you are bidding Godspeed to (2 John 10-11).
Any preacher not preaching repentance is not preaching the original Gospel and is “accursed” (Galatians 1:6-9). He’s a wolf! Run.
God NEITHER forgives nor blesses any man who doesn’t first repent.
IF he’s not preaching repentance and remission of sins he’s a fraud! No excuse! “And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem” (Luke 24:47).
ALL who don’t preach repentance are not preaching the original Gospel of Jesus! This fact clears out 90% of the cowards many call “pastor” in this late hour!
ARE YOU preaching the absolute Gospel essential of repentance beloved of God? Jesus commanded that we do just that.
Beware of the devils who are running around saying that repentance is not needed to be in Christ’s kingdom. They are using the thief on the cross to “prove” their point. Is this conclusive and true?
ANY “MINISTRY” NOT PREACHING REPENTANCE IS ABSOLUTELY FALSE!
It’s laughable and lame that these heretics use the thief on the cross to say that there’s no need for repentance. Unreal. Scripture must be interpreted with Scripture. Jesus says it’s essential to “repent” or one will “perish” (go to Hell). See Luke 13:3, 5. And, the thief on the cross who turned to Jesus (that’s what repentance is defined as!) in his last moments is in glory according to Christ. So, we conclude that Jesus, who knows all things, saw repentance in that man! Bam. Cased closed! Devil exposed.
Repentance: The Essential that Beguiling Wolves Refuse to Preach
WHAT’s the very first word/command of the original Gospel saints? Matthew 3:2; 4:17; Acts 2:38; 3:19, etc.). Are you ready to “give an answer to every man”?
“But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:” 1 Peter 3:15
Repentance is a reversal of the direction of one’s life, a full turning to God, away from self. It must be preached as it was the very first word, divine command that proceeded from the mouths of John the Baptist (Matthew 3:2), Jesus (Matthew 4:17), and the apostles (Acts 2:38, 3:19, etc.). Jesus said it is essential (Luke 13:3, 5).
Let’s consider….. Some seem to speak of repentance as merely turning from sin. Is that a complete view? Is repentance more of turning from sin or turning to God? What’s most important? Obviously both are vital and yet, let’s think about how Jesus says “Come unto me…” and “I will draw all men unto me” (Matthew 11:28-30; John 12:32). Coming to God initially and ongoing seems to be a conviction by the Holy Spirit and Law convicting and drawing us to HIM and therefore departing from sin from which we are delivered by His power and grace as we come to Him. First and foremost it seems that true repentance is turning TO God and therefore away from sin, that which displeases Him.
IF you aren’t preaching REPENTANCE you are preaching a false gospel! Repent!
“Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins.” Acts 5:31
Repentance – Greek: Metaneo/metanoia …. definition from Greek Dictionary – (subject) compunction (for guilt, including reformation); by implication reversal ….
Repentance means a change of mind, turning fully to the LORD, doing a 180, and fully giving ourselves over to Him. When we do, all of us will be His and all we have will be His. If these fruits of being totally abandoned to Him are not resident, the individual has not truly repented – laid down their life. Repentance is a gift as is every good and perfect gift (2 Timothy 2:25; James 1:17).
- If you truly want refreshing, you will receive such when you come to Jesus in true repentance. Read Acts 3:19.
- Confessing sin is NOT repenting. There’s a difference. Admitting your sin and poverty of spirit in surrender before the LORD.
- YOU can confess till you die and will go to Hell if you haven’t truly repented. Repentance is surrender, turning to the LORD from where you are.
Confession of sin is ONLY for those who’ve repented and have a relationship with God. Catholics confess their sins to a sinner wearing a costume but will never be forgiven unless they repent and receive Christ. Jesus says that “Except ye repent (not confess sin) ye shall all likewise perish” (Luke 13:3). Yes confession of sin is a blessing but reserved exclusively for those who are born again and presently in relationship with Christ.
ANY man pretending to represent Christ who is not preaching repentance on a regular basis is a wolf!
There is the initial and ongoing need for repentance. It’s the divine requirement for one to enter God’s kingdom and should be practiced by all believers as needed, ever turning to the LORD fully. No forgiveness of sins is granted outside of it.
Concerning repentance, Geerhardus Vos writes:
“Our Lord’s idea of repentance is as profound and comprehensive as His conception of righteousness. Of the three words that are used in the Greek Gospels to describe the process, one emphasizes the emotional element of regret, sorrow over the past evil course of life, metamelomai; Matt. 12:29-32; a second expresses reversal of the entire mental attitude, metanoeo, Matt. 12:41, Luke 11:32; 15:7, 10; the third denotes a change in the direction of life, one goal being substituted for another, epistrephomai; Matt. 13:15 (and parallels); Luke 17;4, 22:32. Repentance is not limited to any single faculty of the mind: it engages the entire man, intellect, will and affections… Again, in the new life which follows repentance the absolute supremacy of God is the controlling principle. He who repents turns away from the service of mammon and self to the service of God.” (Geerhardus Vos, The Kingdom of God and the Church, P&R, 1972, p. 92-93)
Sadly, the vast majority of modern “pastors” are seminary indoctrinated, Vatican corrupted and use Catholic “bibles” which have removed the word/doctrine repent, repentance. For example, the NKJV removed repent over 40 times! The great falling away! Corrupt Bible Versions
IS IT any wonder repentance is seldom heard? WHEN you realize that the “pastors” we have in the pulpits today are Vatican trained by Jesuit infiltrated seminaries which falsely promote the Catholic “bibles” these pastors now read and get their message from. And, the people they preach to are reading those Vatican “bibles” and so don’t know repentance is an essential, vital biblical doctrine. They have no excuse! King James Bible readers are much sharper, more astute Bible students due to reading the real, preserved Word of our God (Psalms 12:6-7).
Beware of the Vatican Trained Seminarians!
True repentance, when someone truly turns their whole being over to the LORD, without fail, brings a regenerated, a changed life and new lifestyle – a holy life. Refreshing, a clean heart, a clear conscious ensues.
“But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees come to his baptism, he said unto them, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come? 8 Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance.” Matthew 3:7-8
Preaching the essential of repentance eliminates easy believism. Anyone preaching a “salvation” without the necessity of real repentance that brings forth fruit, clear proof of that repentance, is preaching a false gospel (Matthew 3:7-10).
“Repentance is to TAKE SIDES with God against yourself. It is a CHANGE of attitude toward SELF, toward SIN, toward GOD, toward CHRIST that is so REAL that it RESULTS in a changed life. It is raising the WHITE FLAG in SURRENDER to God and turning to Christ as your only LORD and Savior. Repentance is NOT a work … works are the fruit of repentance (Ephesians 2:8-10).” Trent Austin
“And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: every tree therefore which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.” Luke 3:9
To “Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance” means to show you have repented by doing God’s work now consistent with your true repentance.
Did you notice what Jesus promised in verse 9? – “every tree therefore which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire”?
1 John 3:18 says “My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.”
As usual, as Bible students, we should understand that the actual Scriptures themselves are the best and ultimate definition of any topic. Consider Jesus’ words here…
“So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple.” Luke 14:33
“But those mine enemies, which would not that I should reign over them, bring hither, and slay them before me.” Luke 19:27
The Savior and His blessed salvation does not come into a person’s life until they repent.
“I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish. 4 Or those eighteen, upon whom the tower in Siloam fell, and slew them, think ye that they were sinners above all men that dwelt in Jerusalem? 5 I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.” Luke 13:3, 5
Could Jesus have been any plainer? Do you now see that true repentance, as from God’s definition, is essential? No one can be saved if they refuse to acknowledge their sin before a holy God and Judge and turn their lives over to Him unreservedly.
The Very First Word of the True Gospel
“REPENT” is the very first Word/divine command of the original Gospel – Matthew 3:2; 4:17; Acts 2:38; 3:19; 17:30; 20:21 etc. ANY man who isn’t constantly teaching and calling men to repent is a vile antichrist Hell bound wolf.
The true Gospel begins with the command to repent doesn’t it? – per John the Baptist, Christ, and Peter the apostle (Matthew 3:2; 4:17; Acts 2:38; 3:19; 17:30).
“In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea, And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” Matthew 3:2
“From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” Matthew 4:17
When the New Testament church was born, the LORD’s apostle Peter preached this which resulted in 3,000 souls being saved:
“Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do? 38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.” Acts 2:37-38
“Times of refreshing” come only from the LORD upon repentance.
“Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord.” Acts 3:19
“And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent.” Acts 17:30
Jesus commanded that repentance be preached and any minister, leader, or ministry not preaching “Repent,” is not fulfilling a New Testament purpose and is counterfeit (Luke 24:47).
“God … now commandeth ALLLLL men EVERY WHERE to repent” (Acts 17:30). Could it be more clear?
“Therefore I will judge you, O house of Israel, every one according to his ways, saith the Lord GOD. Repent, and turn yourselves from all your transgressions; so iniquity shall not be your ruin.” Ezekiel 18:30
Repenting means that your life is no longer your own anymore. It’s now all about God and not you, surrendering with nothing withheld to the LORD, falling upon His blessed mercy, broken, contrite, and given over to Him and His blessed Gospel.
To repent is necessary to receive salvation and true repentance always yields the fruit of a totally changed life – from the inside out. Even believing in Jesus in the easy believism manner so prevalently peddled in today’s apostate modern church world will not bring God’s regeneration/salvation (2 Corinthians 5:17-18; Titus 3:5-7). “Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.” (James 2:19)
With these biblical truths in mind, let us realize that any “ministry” or leader, church, or preacher whose message does not begin with and constantly contain the necessity of repentance, if a false teacher/ministry. This is a major discernment nugget. Please nourish your heart and meditate upon this truth. Look closer at the ministries you may be currently espousing, and ask yourself if they are preaching that men must repent. Make no excuses for mere men. If they are not preaching the divine command to “repent,” that is a false ministry.
Also, to bring forth fruit proving there has been true heart repentance and regeneration should be preached (Matthew 3:7-8).
When Jesus brought salvation to the home of Zacchaeus, genuine repentance yielded restitution in the newly saved man’s life.
Luke 19
1And Jesus entered and passed through Jericho. 2 And, behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus, which was the chief among the publicans, and he was rich. 3 And he sought to see Jesus who he was; and could not for the press, because he was little of stature. 4 And he ran before, and climbed up into a sycomore tree to see him: for he was to pass that way. 5 And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up, and saw him, and said unto him, Zacchaeus, make haste, and come down; for to day I must abide at thy house. 6 And he made haste, and came down, and received him joyfully. 7 And when they saw it, they all murmured, saying, That he was gone to be guest with a man that is a sinner. 8 And Zacchaeus stood, and said unto the Lord: Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have taken any thing from any man by false accusation, I restore him fourfold. 9 And Jesus said unto him, This day is salvation come to this house, forsomuch as he also is a son of Abraham. 10 For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.” Luke 19:1-10
Of repentance, A.W. Tozer wrote:
“Do a thorough job of repenting. Do not hurry to get it over with. Hasty repentance means shallow spiritual experience and lack of certainty in the whole life. Let godly sorrow do her healing work. Until we allow the consciousness of sin to wound us, we will never develop a fear of evil. It is our wretched habit of tolerating sin that keeps us in our half-dead condition.”
What True Disciples Preach and What Wolves Don’t Preach
In His Great Commission message, the Son of God commanded “That repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations.” Here’s the whole verse:
“And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.” Luke 24:47
So, is it becoming more clear in your understanding why repentance must be preached in obedience to Jesus? Is it more clear now that any and all ministries and leaders who do not preach repentance are wolves?
If one will begin to observe, he will find that the vast majority of leaders today, claiming to be representing Christ, do not preach repentance. These leaders who refuse to preach the original Gospel message which begins with the divine command to “Repent,” are utterly false. In fact, the Word of God says they are “accursed” for preaching “another gospel” (Galatians 1:6-9).
“I have not sent these prophets, yet they ran: I have not spoken to them, yet they prophesied. 22 But if they had stood in my counsel (if they had preached my Word), and had caused my people to hear my words, then they should have turned them from their evil way, and from the evil of their doings.” Jeremiah 23:21-22
It’s real simple: God is eternally perfect and therefore unchanging. His requirement for men to repent has not been changed one bit and yet, enterprising, self-serving wolves have “crept in unawares” or undetected by the gullible (Jude 3-4). They have ignored and dodged the hard truths which don’t serve their self-serving purpose to exploit enough people to build their own dreams upon, leading them to darkness and ultimately damnation. Their goal is not to please God at any cost but rather to create a large following – to build their own kingdom (Philippians 3:1-3; 2 Peter 2:1-3). So, they have eliminated the hard truths of the Gospel in order to church the un-churched for their own greedy purpose.
You see, the Bible is chock full of Scriptures speaking of God’s holiness and man’s sinfulness and iniquity. Yet, most preachers today refuse to acknowledge such. So, why repent? What’s there to repent of? This is no new thing as we saw in the passage above from Jeremiah. Now, look at what we read in Lamentations 2 concerning false leadership who refuse to preach on sin and the necessity of repentance:
“Thy prophets (false leaders) have seen vain and foolish things for thee: and they have not discovered thine iniquity, to turn away thy captivity (bondage from sin); but have seen for thee false burdens and causes of banishment (they’ve entertained and exploited you for their own self-serving purposes).” Lamentation 2:14
The prophet Isaiah was told to reveal God’s view of sins to the people so they could repent and be rescued:
“Cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet, and shew my people their transgression, and the house of Jacob their sins.” Isaiah 58:1
If you are upset at those messengers that are obeying God by marking false prophet wolves today, this proves that you yourself are against the LORD and are His very enemy (Romans 16:17-18; Jude 3-4).
“He that is not with me is against me; and he that gathereth not with me scattereth abroad.” Matthew 12:30
In the divine economy there is no way to justify such rebellion. Those who do not preach repentance regularly are not preaching the original Gospel and found to be beguilers on this fact alone (Galatians 1:6-9; Revelation 22:18-19).
Repentance is a pillar doctrine of Holy Scripture. It’s named as one of the foundational, elementary, principle doctrines of Christ (Hebrews 6:1-3). It is a must to be “born again” and all true Heaven-bound disciples of Jesus who are on the narrow road that leads to life, are speaking this truth.
“Therefore leaving the principles (beginning, elementary truths) of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection (maturity); not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, 2 Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment.” Hebrews 6:1-2
Of the six principle or elementary doctrines of Christ, the very first one deals with “repentance.”
Repentance is not just confession of sin but rather is turning wholly to the LORD and therefore turning away from all sin (that which He says is sin and displeases Him).
“He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.” Proverbs 28:13
The vast majority of modern so-called “evangelicals” don’t personally diligently study the Bible and therefore have no foundational knowledge and understanding of the doctrines of Holy Scripture. So, they are easy to mislead. So many modern “pastors” deceitfully mislead their gullible listeners to believe that Paul was only “the apostle of the grace of God.” These beguiling mis-leaders eliminate and ignore the essential biblical doctrines of repentance, denial of self, taking up the cross, and personal holiness that Paul taught. These things are purposely ignored and made to be an option but not eternally consequential to the soul. What is tragic is that these modern beguilers have misled a whole generation of people to believe they are saved and going to God’s holy Heaven and yet these people have never truly repented.
Of repentance, Brian Sirois notes:
“The Bible (KJV) plainly teaches that the church was COMMANDED to preach REPENTANCE as well as REMISSION OF SINS by GRACE through FAITH. Paul, whose example the church is COMMANDED to follow, preached REPENTANCE as well as GRACE (cf. Luke 24:47; Acts 17:30; Acts 24:25; Hebrews 9:27).
William Booth, the great Christian leader of a century ago, in one of his last major addresses said, ‘I fear the day will come when preachers will preach heaven without hell, and faith without repentance.’ The day that Booth feared would come, has come!”
Genuine, sincere repentance and faith are what God requires to bring a sinner into His kingdom and it doesn’t stop there. One must endure to the end of his earthly life, repenting if needed and continuing to trust Jesus Christ, staying upon the LORD, abiding in rich, vital union and fellowship with Him (Matthew 24:13; Hebrews 3:6, 12-14; 10:26-39; 1 John 1:7-9; Revelation 2-3, etc.).
God bless us to repent and walk in the light as He is in the light so that the blood of Jesus will continue to cleanse us and keep us clean (1 John 1:7). Also, the LORD empower each of us with His holy fear to obey Him in telling His original Gospel message which begins with repentance.
Prayer: Father, in the name of Jesus, I am here and now asking You to unite me in a truly abiding relationship with Yourself and Christ – as You define it. Graft me deeper into Thy bosom and Thy cross. Please save me now, wash away all my sins afresh in Your precious blood my LORD Jesus, and fill me with Your Holy Spirit. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
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Abiding
Acquainted and Nourished [podcast]

“Acquaint now thyself with him, and be at peace: thereby good shall come unto thee.” Job 22:21
“nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine”
“If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained.” 1 Timothy 4:6
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Abiding
“Be Strong in the Grace that is in Christ Jesus” – 2 Timothy Chapter 2 [podcast]

A Good Soldier of Christ Jesus
1 Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.
2 And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.
3 Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.
4 No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier.
5 And if a man also strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully.
6 The husbandman that laboureth must be first partaker of the fruits.
7 Consider what I say; and the Lord give thee understanding in all things.
8 Remember that Jesus Christ of the seed of David was raised from the dead according to my gospel:
9 Wherein I suffer trouble, as an evil doer, even unto bonds; but the word of God is not bound.
10 Therefore I endure all things for the elect’s sakes, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.
11 It is a faithful saying: For if we be dead with him, we shall also live with him:
12 If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us:
13 If we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself.
A Workman Approved by God
14 Of these things put them in remembrance, charging them before the Lord that they strive not about words to no profit, but to the subverting of the hearers.
15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
16 But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness.
17 And their word will eat as doth a canker: of whom is Hymenaeus and Philetus;
18 Who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past already; and overthrow the faith of some.
19 Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.
20 But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour.
21 If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master’s use, and prepared unto every good work.
22 Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.
23 But foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they do gender strifes.
24 And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient,
25 In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;
26 And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.
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